Mental Health Much?

On this episode, Teresa from Salt River Therapy and I talk about the fact that it is okay not to be okay. In this political climate, it is entirely too much to be asked to continue to live our life as if nothing was happening. We also discuss toxic positivity, chronic pain, trauma and so much more! - - - - - - -Find Teresa and her team @salt.river.therapy or www.saltrivertherapy.com- - - - - - -Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Today, I am meeting with my friend Dill (@niceyhott) to talk about his profession: sex work. We discuss his past as a theatre kid, the boundaries you have to set for yourself in this job, what it takes to be a good client, sex, and much much more ! This episode is definitely 18+ - - - - - - -Find Dill on X, Bluesky, OnlyFan and JustForFans @niceyhott - - - - - - -Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Dans ce premier, et probablement seul, épisode francophone de la saison 5, je reçois Catherine du balado Entre Deux Eaux pour discuter des pressions liées à la maternité, de féminisme, de queerness, d'identité de genre et de l'invisibilité de la bisexualité. Une conversation enrichissante avec une invitée aux multiples identités. - - - - - - -Trouver le balado Entre deux eaux sur Instagram et Facebook @entredeuxeaux.balado - - - - - - -Pour me joindre, c'est sur Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This week, my friend Pia and I talk about social media. We discuss the way we present ourselves online, the way mental health is discussed on these platforms, and we talk about engaging with companies that are more and more homophobic, transphobic and hateful. - - - - - - -Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In this episode, I talk with my friend Hugues about gay cruising and cruising spaces. Hugues dedicated much of his academic career to the topic, and he is sharing his thoughts with us. We talk about cruising etiquette, diversifying our sexual preferences, continuing to have good sex, and much more! - - - - - - -Find Hugues's podcast on HIV and the law (in French) : Droits Positifs Find Hughes on: Hugues . club - - - - - - -Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Lucas Wilson just released a book with the stories of 17 people who survived conversion therapy, so I had to have him on my podcast. Here's our recording! - - - - - - - Here is the study I mentioned about dancing and depression: Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials - - - - - - - Follow Lucas on instagram @lukeslamdunkwilson And you can purchase his book Shame Sex attraction. - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

While having dinner together a few weeks ago, my friend Paris and I realized we had both recently read All About Love, from bell hooks. And just like that, we decided to pose the question: How to love?- - - - - - -Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In this episode, my friend Mark and myself talk about disclosing HIV status out in the public. We discuss the various steps of a coming out, getting support, dating, cycling, and finding joy in your HIV status. Enjoy! - - - - - - - Register or Donate to PWA bike rally here. Follow Mark on Instagram @kellerlikehelen - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Welcomes to season 5, finally launching today! For this first episode, I am the immense pleasure to talk to Capri and Cris, who are the two amazing creators of the Lez Beach event here in Toronto. - - - - - - - Find some of Cris Nippard's writing on LinkedIn Follow @friendsofhanlans on Instagram - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Surprise Summer episode! June may be over, but we are still queer here on Mental Health Much! In this episode, we are talking about a topic that is not necessarily cause for celebration, but is also extremely important in the tapestry of our mental health; Gay Divorce. With keynote speaker and writer Karl Dunn. - - - - - - - Find Karl Dunn's book, social media and newsletter! @Karldunn - - - - - - - Follow me @mentalhealthmuch

This is part 2 of the season finale, discussing tips and solutions to help with loneliness. If you have not listened to the whole season, you can do so on your favourite podcast app. Don't forget to leave a comment or a thumbs up! - - - - - - - Watch it on Youtube! - - - - - - - Read the book. - - - - - - - Solutions: - Create a community that looks and feel like you - Learn to tolerate loneliness: don't try to fix it in the moment, plan for the future instead - You don't need to be perfect - Use electronic tolls properly - It takes people to meet people - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This is part 1 of the season finale, discussing tips and solutions to help with loneliness. If you have not listened to the whole season, you can do so on your favourite podcast app. Don't forget to leave a comment or a thumbs up! - - - - - - - Watch it on YouTube!! - - - - - - - Solutions: Do the right activities for the right type of loneliness Focus on things you love, and make them social  Create your own opportunities; suggest specific plans Work on your social skills Give a second chance, but don't beat a dead horse - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Welcome to episode 10 of our series on loneliness for gay, bi and queer men. On this last regular episode of the season, McKenzie, Dale and I finally touch on the topic of smart phones, dating apps and social media. Don't miss it! - - - - - - - Read along with us - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapter 10: Phones, Social Media & Dating Apps - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

On our journey to discuss loneliness in the gay community, it was time to address sexuality and relationships. In this episode, we discuss the role of sex, pillow talk, and what to do when sex is harder to access. - - - - - - - Read along with us - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapter 8 - Autism & Other Neurodivergences⁠ - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

On today's episode, Dale McKenzie and I are discussing autism, ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), since they affect the queer community in a slightly different way, and have a huge impact on loneliness. - - - - - - - Read along with us - ⁠⁠⁠Chapter 8 - Autism & Other Neurodivergences - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Welcome to episode 65 in which we discuss fear of missing out, saying no, resting and seeking. PS. I apologize for the sound quality, I was recording from a new space. - - - - - - - Read along with us - ⁠⁠Chapter 7 - Wanting More & Longing - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In this episode, Dale, McKenzie and I are talking about queer history, and making the difference between the gay scene and the gay community. We also discuss the place of sexuality in the gay scene, as well as finding ways to invite people in. - - - - - - - Read along with us - ⁠⁠Chapter 6: Searching the Scene to find Community - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

It's time to talk about social skills and loneliness! In this episode McKenzie, Dale and I focus on improving six different social traits that we find very desirable when we interact with people. - - - - - - - Read along with us - ⁠Chapter 5: Social Skills - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In this episode, McKenzie, Dale and I discuss the impact of stigma on discrimination and rejection, as well as how these impact loneliness for ay, bi and queer men. - - - - - - - Read along with us - Chapter 4: Internalized Stigma & Discrimination - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In the third episode dedicated to the topic of loneliness, Dale McKenzie and I are discussing life paths that are more typical for queer men: having more freedom, not being a parents, moving and the absence of queer role models. - - - - - - - Read along with us: ⁠Chapter 3: The Queer Male Life Path - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In today's episode, Dale, McKenzie and I discuss the various types of social activities: one on one VS group activities, and unstructured vs structured activities. We discuss our we prioritize our social energy and trying to keep in touch with everyone. - - - - - - - Read along with us: Chapter 2 - Social Activities - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This is the first full episode of season 4 - describing the six types of loneliness. Follow along while McKenzie, Dale and myself start to get to know each other more and start discussing the six types of loneliness. Despite what is mentioned earlier in the episode, this episode will cover only chapter 1 of the book. Stay tuned for chapter 2 very soon! - - - - - - - Read along with us: Chapter 1 - The six Types of Loneliness - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Here it is! The launch of season 4! I am releasing this season a little bit later than I expected, but I am immensely happy to be back to Mental Health Much. I miss everyone! This episode is a quick introduction to season 4, on the topic of loneliness. Start the journey with McKenzie, Dale and I, and maybe you'll feel a little bit more connect. Find the link below if you'd like to read the draft of the book I wrote. - - - - - - - Read along with us: Introduction - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Bonus episode! While I am starting to work on season 4 - which should start coming out by the end of November, - here's a fun bonus episode with my colleague Ezra who came on the show to discuss politics in therapy. Enjoy! - - - - - - - Rahim Thawer (2023) – “On Being a Politicized Practitioner” - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Surprise extra episode added to our season on body image in the queer communities! And this one has been recorded on camera! Join Jordan and I as we discuss eating disorder and their impact in queer culture. Trigger warning, we will talk about dieting, calorie counting and specific behaviours related to eating disorder, so as per usual, take care of yourself while listening.  - - - - - - - Watch this episode on YouTube!!! - https://youtu.be/dOvWEcL_No8 - - - - - - - Canadian Resources for eating disorder:  National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) Sheena's Place Ontario Eating Disorders Network (OEDN) Eating Disorders Association of Canada (EDAC) - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This is it… it is the conclusion of this special season on body image and self-esteem with Jordan. I had a microphone malfunction, so I am sorry if I sound like I am underwater. Join us on this last episode in which we talk about what we learned, what changes we want to implement in our lives, what tips have helped us in the past and, finally, what are the things we love about our bodies.  - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

On the last regular episode of our season on body image, Jordan and I decided to tackle the topic of body modifications and plastic surgery. Comes on this journey with us as we confront our prejudices, while keeping things queer! - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Dans ce premier, et probablement seul, épisode francophone de la saison 3, je reçois Marie du balado Entre Deux Eaux pour discuter de vêtement, de mode et d'image corporelle. Nous discutons de magasinages, du milieu queer, du vieillissement et de la grossophobie intériorisée.  Un épisode dédié au plaisir, plutôt qu'à la douleur, lorsqu'il vient le temps de s'habiller.  - - - - - - - Trouver le balado Entre Deux Eaux sur Instagram et Facebook @entredeuxeaux.balado  Et Marie LaRochelle sur Instagram @enweillemarie or sur LinkedIn - - - - - - - Pour me joindre, c'est sur Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Today, Jordan and I are being allies with the health at every size movement and discussing fatphobia and anti-fat bias. If you want to learn more about this topic, I suggest following Aubrey Gordon, or the Big Gay Fat Podcast. Both are incredible resources to continue to unlearn our biases. - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This is it, the big episode I have been prepping for since the start of this season: the episode on the diet culture and the wellness industry. Join Jordan and I as we discuss our relationship with dieting, discover facts about the wellness industry and debunk some of our preconceptions about food. An episode not to be missed! - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

On this episode, my friend Darcy comes on the show to discuss gay relationships for gay men of sizes, through the community of chubs and chasers. In this episode, we discuss size stigma, loneliness, feeling invisible in the community, and how to be a better ally to fat people. - - - - - - - Find Darcy and his pins at www.pin-ace.com Or on social media @pinacepins - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In this week's “mini episode,” Jordan and I interview The James Arrow, to talk about body diversity and radical acceptance. From his experience navigating gay culture as an Asian man living with a disability to the making of a body diverse community calendar, James talks about his activism and about not giving a f*ck. - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This week, Jordan and I are discussing body image in the context of gay sex and relationships. We will first discuss body insecurities and beauty norms, then we will talk about the gay scene and dating apps. After, we will explore the topic of sex and porn, to finish the conversation on normative discontent, and how we tend to criticize and view our bodies in our communities. A truthful and vulnerable episode, not to miss. - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

On this week's episode of this series on beauty standards, we get to talk to Loren and Amanda, about body image in the lesbian communities and in media. In this episode, I discover what a chapstick lesbian is, we talk about body hair, and we discuss the poor representation of queer women in media. - - - - - - - Follow Loren and Amanda's adorable dog on Instagram @espressodoggo - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This week, Jordan and I are tackling the topic of beauty standards on the queer community. Impromptu fashion expert Jordan walks us through fashion trends of our predecessors. We also discuss dressing as a signifier, passing, safety, and the colours green and violet. - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Welcome to season 3, a season exclusively dedicated to body image, diet culture and self-esteem. I am back with a special guest to start this season with a brief history of the beauty standards. Tune in for a lot more content to come! - - - - - - - Follow Jordan on Instagram @bloodandgorr - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Surprise! And happy Halloween! In this very long special spooky episode, I have the privilege to interview AJ from fellow Canadian podcast Crime Family. AJ and I talk about the phenomenon of true crimes' podcasts and documentaries, how they became so popular, why people love them so much and how they can affect our mental health. In the second section of the episode, AJ and I are discussing mental health, crimes, and the law. Stay tuned for a very unique and interesting conversation. - - - - - - - Discover CRIME FAMILY anywhere you listen to podcast. Follow CRIME FAMILY on Instagram @crimefamilypodcast on Twitter @crimefamilypod1 or on Facebook at Crime Family Podcast - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

In the last episode of season 2 of Mental Health Much, I receive Brendan to discuss a very important question: why should we go to therapy, when we are feeling unwell before of systemic world stressors? In this conversation without a clear answer, we talk about capitalism, burning out, watching the news and, obviously, video games. Thank you everyone for a phenomenal second season, and I will see you again very soon. - - - - - - - Don't forget to head to the Black Eagle TO every Tuesday for the GayStation night. Follow Brendan on Instagram and Twitch @gaystationB and on youtube @gaystation - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Pour le dernier épisode francophone de la saison 2, je reçois nul autre que la sensation TikTok Mx Jimmy Blow pour parler identité et sentiment d'appartenance. Avec Jimmy, nous discutons de ne pas trouver sa place dans la scène gay, de l'importance d'être soi-même et de sobriété. Un épisode parfait pour tous les gens qui se sont sentis différents un jour ou l'autre. - - - - - - - Découvrez Jimmy sur TikTok, Instagram et Twitch @MxJimmyBlow - - - - - - - Suivez Mental Health Much? sur Instagram @MentalHealthMuch

On episode 41 of Mental Health Much?, I get to talk with Ian about coming out to your doctor. In this hour, we discuss trans health, sexual health and maintaining a great relationship with your family doctor. Trigger warning, we also talk about suicide and sexual abuse. - - - - - - - Interactive Trans Health Guide: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/TransHealthGuide/index.html Sherbourne's guidelines for gender-affirming primary care with trans and non-binary patients: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/product/4th-edition-sherbournes-guidelines-for-gender-affirming-primary-care-with-trans-and-non-binary-patients/ PrEP guidelines: https://gmsh.ca/resources/prep-for-gbmsm-everything-you-need-to-know/ - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This week, on Mental Health Much, Kiarmin and I answer the ultimate question (ish…): Is conforming good for you? Come on this journey with us, discussing gender, survival instincts, (pop) culture, race, anger and just… trying something new from time to time. - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Episode 39 is my second mentor episode. And this time, I get to share the air with Rick, who has been a friend and a coworker for the past 8 years of my life. Because our work together has always been in gay men's health, we decided to stay true to our roots and talk about gay men, sex, relationship and validation. A very important episode for me, in which I hope you get to discover this wonderful mentor who shaped the therapist I am today. - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Cette semaine, je reçois mon ami Aimé, qui vient nous parler d'antidépresseurs, de stigmatisation et de transition hormonale. Dans cet épisode, iel nous dévoile sa relation avec ces nouveaux médicaments, les réticences qu'iel vit encore face à ce choix et les réactions des gens qui l'entourent. Un épisode dans lequel nous parlons de plusieurs tabous sur la santé mentale. - - - - - - - Découvrez le balado d'Aimé - J'en perds mes mots Partout où vous écoutez des balados. - - - - - - - Suivez Mental Health Much? sur Instagram @MentalHealthMuch

This week, I am giving you a throwback episode! One year ago, I was a guest on Shafik's videocast to talk about working with people who use substances, taking care of my mental health as a therapist, and setting boundaries between personal and professional life. A fun episode in which I am taking the place of the interviewee, instead of the interviewer. - - - - - - - To discover Shafik's video cast: https://www.youtube.com/user/shafik007 Follow his Instagram @twosouls.onejourney - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

** This episode was recorded in Toronto. So I apologize for the construction noises behind Robyn and I ** This week, my colleague Robyn and myself are discussing this titan of a topic: Imposter Syndrome. Informed by their work as a psychotherapist working with trans folks, Robyn tackles this topic with their community in mind. In this great episode, we bring up our inner perfectionists, standards of capitalism, checking in with our values, and wonder did we suffer enough to call ourselves queer? And … does it really “get better?” - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This week, I am very excited to release the first of three, hopefully four, “Meet my Mentors” episode! Throughout season 2, you will have a chance to meet with a few of the people that shaped who I am as a person, and as a professional, starting with Almuth. Listen to our conversation about aging and retirement, a fascinating topic that you might relate to more than you expected, even if retirement feels like a long time away. Stay tuned for the other “Meet my Mentors” episodes through season 2! - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

This week, I am meeting with my friend Dale to discuss procrastination and lack of motivation. I could write more about this episode... maybe I'll do it later. - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Dans ce premier épisode francophone de la saison 2, j'ai le plaisir de recevoir Barbada, drag queen canadienne renommée, pour discuter de la santé mentale dans le monde de la drag. De la pression ressentie lorsque l'on doit toujours à son meilleur sur la scène, jusqu'aux changements importants dans l'univers de la drag lors des dix dernières années, tout y passe. Une entrevue à ne pas manquer ! - - - - - - - Pour suivre Barbada sur Instagram : @barbada.ca Pour découvrir son univers : www.barbada.ca Call me Mother - disponible sur Out TV Barbada - disponible sur tou.tv - https://ici.tou.tv/barbada - - - - - - - Suivez Mental Health Much? sur Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

** Sorry for the background microphone noises ** Welcome to episode 32, where I receive Misty Crowley to talk about Borderline Personality Disorder. In this episode, Misty talks about the ways this disorder affected her sense of self, her relationships and her escapism behaviours. A great episode to learn more about this diagnosis that is often really stigmatized. - - - - - - - To discover Misty's work, you can follow her Instagram at @MistyCrowley_ - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch

Dans cet épisode spécial, je me joins à Stéphanie, l'hôte et productrice du podcast Gaytineau, un podcast sur le monde queer de la région de Gatineau. Dans cet épisode, nous discutons des hauts et des associés à travailler dans le milieu communautaire. Nous terminons, naturellement, sur des trucs et astuces pour aider à notre santé mentale lorsque nous travaillons dans ce milieu. - - - - - - - Pour en apprendre plus sur la semaine d'action communautaire, visitez le: https://engagezvousaca.org/ - - - - - - - Découvrez Gaytineau : www.linktr.ee/gaytineau Sur Instagram @gaytineau - - - - - - - Suivez Mental Health Much? sur Instagram @MentalHealthMuch

In this episode, I have the chance to talk to Chelsea, about being in a relationship with someone who is not out of the closet. More importantly, Chelsea opens up about the importance of feeling socially connected, of respecting yourself and who you are, of placing boundaries in a relationship, and of the cultural differences that coming out can have for various people. An intimate and touching episode, with a very generous guest. - - - - - - - Follow me on Instagram @mentalhealthmuch